While other brands in the fashion and retail space are aligning themselves with devices that measure physical activity or provide communication from your wrist, Tommy Hilfiger’s first foray into the wearable tech world comes in the form of two solar-powered jackets released for the holiday 2014 season.
Designed for both men and women, the limited-edition styles charge electronic devices like your smartphone or tablet by converting energy from a series of removable solar panels attached to their backs.
I tried one out (as pictured). Here’s everything you need to know…
What does it do?
We’ve all been in those scenarios where the battery on our phone dies and we don’t have access to a port to power them up again – why couldn’t we carry our own energy-generating source around with us? A subtle cord in the lining of this jacket connects the solar panels on its back to a removable battery pack in the front right pocket. From there, you’re able to charge as you go.
The solar panel unit itself is made from a flexible amorphous silicon technology, developed by Pvilion – a specialist in designing and manufacturing lightweight, portable solar products. When exposed to full sunlight, those cells charge up the battery pack which, in turn, can fully charge a standard 1500mAh mobile device up to four times. There are also two USB ports on the pack allowing you to connect multiple devices at once.
What about the design?
The first thing to say, is that the solar panels on the back snap easily on and off, meaning you can detach the technology and be left with a genuinely nice-looking jacket too.
That’s also a bonus considering carrying both the battery and the solar panels around does make the jacket somewhat weighty. Not unbearably so mind you as the rest of the jacket is reasonably lightweight, with a removable insulation layer inside making it even more so.
From a design perspective otherwise, the three-quarter length women’s piece works as a great statement thanks to the juxtaposition of a bold blue nylon accompanied by a tartan developed by British wool mill Abraham Moon. That tartan also appears on the men’s version, instead against a warm olive green. Both are water resistant.
Thoughts:
I have the good fortune of tracking what’s happening with wearable technology as part of my job – keeping one eye on what’s coming up in the future, and the other firmly on what we as shoppers actually want to buy now.
In my opinion, it all comes down to two simple things: does the piece in question look good, and does it do something we care about enough to actually want to use.
The Tommy Hilfiger solar-powered jacket promises both; it’s stylish while simultaneously offering a solution that is inherently useful to the individual wearing it. As with most wearable technology, it’s a ways off yet in terms of being something to be worn everyday and that would have application to everyone (not least because of the $599 price tag attached to it).
But it’s not intended for that – the fact it’s a limited edition design proves Tommy is testing the water with what consumers are interested in. It’s also an incredible fit with its brand ethos and focus on outdoor Americana, rather than the city setting I tried it out in (albeit it very useful around New York to fulfil the never-ending need to charge devices on-the-go).
In fact, the Tommy Hilfiger fall 2014 campaign is all about this look; the great outdoors and the activity that escaping to it entails. A series of how-to or survival guide films also sit at its heart, each of them exploring things like packing, pitching a tent and climbing to the summit of ‘Mount Hilfiger’.
This jacket is seemingly ideal for that person it’s portraying. As Tommy Hilfiger himself said: “We were inspired by the fusion of traditional design techniques with technical mountaineering references. We also thought about what the adventurer of today would need and want and how our customers are interacting with technology in a more integrated way than ever before.”
The jackets are available in select Tommy Hilfiger stores across Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia, and online at Tommy.com. The company is also donating 50% of proceeds from the sale of each jacket to the Fresh Air Fund, which provides free summer camp experiences to children from low-income communities in New York City
Women Light Yellow Notch Collar Solid Top
The finer Details
Composition and care
100% Cotton
Machine wash
Specs
Notch mandarin collar
Short button placket
Two flap chest pockets
Three-quarter sleeve
Elasticized rear waist
Slight high-low hem
Solid
Country Of Origin – India
return
How to return this item? Ship it back to NNNOW or have us pick it up within 15 days. Just keep it unwashed, undamaged and with tags intact so it passes our quality checks. See FAQs on our Returns Policy for more.
Nnnow says
Revive your line-up of casuals with this fashionable top from Tommy Hilfiger. The light fabric construction allows all-day comfort to the wearer. This top is designed with a notch mandarin collar and three-quarter sleeves. Team it with blue skinny jeans and sandals.
Women Blue Round Neck Solid Woven Top
Composition and care
100% Polyester
Hand wash
Specs
Round neck
Short sleeves with slits at hem
Rear button closure
Even vented hem
Solid
Regular fit
The model is 5ft8in tall and is wearing a size S
How to return this item? Ship it back to NNNOW or have us pick it up within 15 days. Just keep it unwashed, undamaged and with tags intact so it passes our quality checks. See FAQs on our Returns Policy for more.
Nnows Days
When it comes to tops, the build and feel of this top by Tommy Hilfiger strikes a perfect cord of balance. It’s woven from a fabric that feels soft against the skin. It features a round neck, short sleeves with slits at hem and rear button closure. Wear yours over the weekend with everything from jeans to culottes.
Women Navy Short Sleeve Striped Top
Composition and care
96% Polyester, 4% Elastane
Hand wash
Specs
Round neck
Concealed zipper closure at back
Short sleeves
Striped
Regular fit
Country Of Origin – China
The model is 5ft8in tall and is wearing a size S
return
How to return this item? Ship it back to NNNOW or have us pick it up within 15 days. Just keep it unwashed, undamaged and with tags intact so it passes our quality checks. See FAQs on our Returns Policy for more.
Women Navy Three-Quarter Sleeve Check Top
Composition and care
100% Polyester
Machine wash
Specs
Round neck
Three-quarter sleeves with elasticized hems
Smoked detailing back
Checked
Country Of Origin – China
return
How to return this item? Ship it back to NNNOW or have us pick it up within 15 days. Just keep it unwashed, undamaged and with tags intact so it passes our quality checks. See FAQs on our Returns Policy for more.
Nnow says
Cut from light fabric, this top from Tommy Hilfiger is minimally decorated. It has a round neck and three-quarter sleeves. Pair it with distressed jeans and heels for a classier casual look.
